Fertility Medications for Women

Common Fertility Medications for Women Used in Fertility Treatment

Fertility medications and hormone therapy are commonly the first lines of treatment for women suffering from infertility due to ovulation disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These medications work by inducing the release of certain hormones that regulate or trigger the ovulation process. Read on to learn more about the hormones and medications used in fertility treatment.

Clomid: Clomiphene citrate, commonly called Clomid, is an oral medication taken to stimulate ovulation in women who suffer from ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome. This medication “tricks” the brain into believing there is less estrogen circulating than there actually is and it causes the pituitary gland to release more follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), hormones that are responsible for triggering ovulation.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): hCG, also called Pregnyl or Ovidrel, is a pregnancy hormone commonly used in conjunction with Clomid, FSH, and hMG. This hormone helps to trigger the ovulation and to stimulate the release of an egg from the ovary.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): This hormone helps to develop more follicles and ovulation by stimulating the maturation of the egg follicles within the ovaries.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH): This hormone is generally used as a treatment for women who ovulate prematurely, before the follicle containing the egg is mature enough to be viable. GnRH suppresses the pituitary gland’s release of ovulation hormones, allowing physicians to induce ovulation at the appropriate time. Also, by interrupting the control of the brain over the ovaries, it allows more follicles to develop which is most helpful when In Vitro Fertilization is the treatment approach.

Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG): This injectable medication contains both LH and FSH. Instead of stimulating the pituitary gland, it is used to directly stimulate the ovaries to release an egg.

Some of these treatments are also important in other assisted reproductive modalities such as in vitro fertilization. If you are suffering from infertility, turn to the professionals at New York Fertility Services. Our staff is committed to providing compassionate and cutting-edge fertility treatment tailored to each patient’s unique situation. Contact us at (212) 679-2289 to set up an introductory consultation.